Some of the most notable people in modern history have been diagnosed with the learning difference known as dyslexia.
Inventors, entertainers, authors and politicians have excelled in spite of -- or because of -- the unique way their minds work. But reading, writing, and even speaking can be an ongoing challenge as well, and proper support can help.
Christine Seppi is the chair of the Pittsburgh region of the Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, and organizer of an upcoming conference on diagnosis and management of learning differences. She also has an adult son with dyslexia.
Seppi points out that while some people believe that those with dyslexia have lower intelligence, this is not only incorrect, some dyslexics believe it gives them an advantage in certain aspects. She said the most common misconception is that people with dyslexia see words and numbers backwards, which is also incorrect, although directionality can be an issue.
Listener tweet:
@esspgh @905wesa Someone very close to me has dyslexia and he also has an inability to remember his left from right, is there a connection?
— Sarah Viszneki (@SarahViszneki) April 2, 2014
Seppi said, "Sometimes people who are dyslexic have a lot of difficulty with right and left, so you might want to be saying to somebody, 'Go towards the window' rather than, 'Turn right.'"
The conference on diagnosis and management of learning differences is Saturday April 5, from 8:00 am until 3:30 pm at the Double Tree Hotel in Green Tree.
